Incomplete JJM project blamed for water woes
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 07 2025:
The overhead water storage tank at Lalambung Pung, constructed under Jal Jeevan Mission, remains incomplete more than four years after the work order was issued in May 2020, causing severe water shortages for local residents who continue to suffer without access to tap water.
Addressing the media at Kangjabi Youth Club on Monday, president Sapam Siibhakar said that the project, handled by Hyderabad-based Keystone Infra Pvt Ltd, was originally meant for completion within two years.
The project, worth Rs 273.99 crore, was to be executed as per the Jal Jeevan Mission guidelines, which require completion within two years followed by five years of maintenance by the construction company.
However, due to inordinate delays, the benefits of the project have not reached the people of the area, he said.
Subhakar recounted that residents of Nagamapal Kangjabi Leirak had earlier received tap water twice a week through the water supply network originating from inside the Kangla fort.
That supply was disrupted after the pipeline was cut during culvert construction at Khoyathong crossing, since February this year.
Since then, residents have been forced to buy water from private tankers at high rates, causing immense financial strain, particularly on low-income families.
He also highlighted that even when they used to receive tap water from the Kangla scheme, the locality, being at the tail end of the supply network, received little water pressure.
Households using electric pumps along the line further reduced the volume available to those without pumps, prompting some consumers to apply for disconnection, citing poor and unreliable supply.
Post disconnection of water pipeline, many consumers are still being pressured by authorities to pay the monthly water bill of Rs 250.Due to such pressures, several residents are paying the amount despite not having any active tap water connection, he rued.
According to the club president, the central government's assurance, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to provide tap water to every household by December 2024 has turned into a farce in their area.
Residents had submitted two written representations to the Governor in June, seeking redressal, but no action has been taken so far.
Urging the authorities to intervene, Subhakar appealed for the immediate completion of the overhead water storage tank to ease the prolonged suffering of the people in the area.